At a Glance
Nevada’s Board of Examiners for Social Workers (BESW) regulates multiple social work license levels, including the Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW). Each requires a degree from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited program, passage of an Association of Social Work Boards exam, and a background check. Verify current license types and pathways directly with the BESW before applying.
Social workers in Nevada handle caseloads ranging from substance abuse treatment in Las Vegas to child welfare services in rural counties. That work spans multiple license levels, each regulated by the Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers (BESW). The path to licensure depends on the credential you’re pursuing and the kind of practice you want to build.
The BESW issues three types of social work licenses:
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW): Allows you to practice general, non-clinical social work, including group work, case work, community organization, administration, and planning and consultation.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): Authorizes advanced-level practice, including the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and mental disorders.
- Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW): Authorizes advanced-level social work practice without required supervision.
The BESW provides application pathways for these license levels. Some sources reference additional credentials, including a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) tier. Contact the BESW directly at 775-688-2555 or visit socwork.nv.gov to confirm the current full list of active license types before beginning your application.
General Requirements for Nevada Social Work Licensure
Before applying for any license level, review the BESW requirements for the specific pathway you’re pursuing, including whether a prerequisite Nevada license is required. The baseline requirements that the BESW generally applies include:
- Earn a degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and have your school send official transcripts directly to the BESW
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Pass the appropriate exam sponsored by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
- Provide proof that you’re authorized to work in the United States
- Pass a state and federal background check (a fingerprint request form is included with the licensure application)
- Pay an initial application fee and license fee at the time of application
The BESW sets fee amounts, which are subject to change. Verify current fees directly at socwork.nv.gov before submitting your application.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
The LSW is Nevada’s bachelor ‘s-level social work credential. It qualifies you to work in generalist settings under supervision. Applicants pursuing advanced licensure should verify the current prerequisite sequence with the BESW, as some advanced pathways may require an intermediate master ‘s-level credential before beginning a post-graduate internship.
Step 1: Earn Your Degree
Complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program. Have your school send official transcripts directly to the BESW.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
File an LSW application with the BESW. A provisional license may be available if you meet all requirements except passing the ASWB exam. Check the current application for provisional license eligibility, duration, and any associated fees before applying. Once the BESW approves your application, it will notify the ASWB that you’re cleared to test.
Step 3: Pass the ASWB Bachelors Exam
Register with the ASWB for its Baccalaureate-level exam. Once you pass, the BESW will issue your LSW license.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is Nevada’s clinical credential. It permits diagnosis and treatment of emotional and mental disorders, which opens doors to private practice, hospital settings, and behavioral health programs that require clinical licensure.
Step 1: Earn an MSW and Obtain Your LSW
Complete a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program and follow the BESW’s current master-level licensing and internship requirements before proceeding to the clinical pathway. Verify with the BESW whether an intermediate master ‘s-level license is required before beginning your internship.
Step 2: Pass the ASWB Master’s Exam
Submit an exam approval request to the BESW to be cleared to test for the ASWB Master’s exam. Once approved, register with the ASWB and pass the exam.
Step 3: Complete a 3,000-Hour Supervised Internship
Complete a post-graduate supervised internship in clinical social work at a BESW-approved site with a BESW-approved supervisor. At least 2,000 of your 3,000 hours must be in psychotherapeutic methods. The internship must be completed within 2 to 3 years. Submit an internship application to the BESW to initiate this period. Your supervisor notifies the BESW when you’ve completed your hours.
Step 4: Submit Your Clinical Exam Approval Request
Once your internship is complete, submit an exam approval request to the BESW to be cleared for the ASWB Clinical exam.
Step 5: Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam
Register with the ASWB for its Clinical-level exam. Once the BESW is notified you’ve passed, it will issue your LCSW license.
Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)
The LISW allows you to provide social work services without required supervision. It’s well-suited for experienced practitioners who want to run independent programs or take on leadership roles in community organizations.
Step 1: Earn an MSW and Obtain Your LSW
Complete a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program and follow the BESW’s current master-level licensing and internship requirements before beginning the LISW pathway. Verify with the BESW whether an intermediate master ‘s-level license is required before starting your internship.
Step 2: Pass the ASWB Master’s Exam
Submit an exam approval request to the BESW to be cleared for the ASWB Master’s exam. Register with the ASWB and pass the exam.
Step 3: Complete a 3,000-Hour Supervised Internship
Complete a post-graduate supervised internship in independent social work at a BESW-approved site. The internship must be completed within 2 to 3 years. Submit an internship application to the BESW to begin. Your supervisor will notify the BESW when you’ve completed your hours.
Step 4: Submit Your Advanced Generalist Exam Approval Request
Once your internship is complete, submit an exam approval request to the BESW to be cleared for the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam.
Step 5: Pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam
Register with the ASWB for its Advanced Generalist exam. Once the BESW is notified you’ve passed, it will issue your LISW license.
Renewing Your Nevada Social Work License
Your license expires every year on the last day of your birth month. The BESW mails a renewal form approximately 45 days before your expiration date. Renewal also requires completing continuing education (CE) every two years before you’re eligible to renew.
| License |
CE Hours (2-Year Cycle) |
Annual Renewal Fee |
| LSW |
30 hours |
$125 |
| LCSW |
36 hours |
$187.50 |
| LISW |
36 hours |
$187.50 |
The BESW sets renewal fees, which are subject to legislative change. Confirm current amounts at socwork.nv.gov/licensees before renewing. CE providers and course content must meet current BESW acceptance rules, including any Nevada-mandated content areas.
How Long Does It Take?
The time required depends on which license you’re pursuing. Because both LCSW and LISW require a post-graduate internship of at least 2 years in addition to an MSW, the advanced credentials represent a significant time investment.
| License |
Minimum Time to Qualify |
| LSW |
4 years (BSW) or 6 years (BSW + MSW) |
| LCSW |
8 years (BSW + MSW + 2-year internship) |
| LISW |
8 years (BSW + MSW + 2-year internship) |
Social Work Degrees in Nevada
Any social work license in Nevada requires a degree from a CSWE-accredited program or another education pathway accepted by the BESW. Nevada offers CSWE-accredited programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, including options that may offer online or hybrid formats. Verify current accreditation status and program availability directly through the CSWE accreditation directory and individual schools before enrolling.
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW)
Nevada has CSWE-accredited BSW programs that are typically 120 semester credits and include a required 400-hour field education component. A BSW is the standard first step toward an MSW and toward bachelor ‘s-level licensure. Verify current CSWE-accredited BSW programs in Nevada through the CSWE directory.
Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)
Nevada has CSWE-accredited MSW programs, including options that may offer online study. All CSWE-accredited MSW programs include a 900-hour field education requirement. A Master of Social Work (MSW) is required for the LCSW and LISW pathways and is the most direct route to clinical or independent practice. Verify current program listings and delivery formats through CSWE and each school directly.
Doctoral Degree in Social Work
The CSWE doesn’t accredit at the doctoral level. Doctoral degrees in social work are offered through PhD programs (typically research-focused) or Doctor of Social Work (DSW) programs (more practice-oriented). Neither is required for any Nevada license, but both open doors to research, academic, and senior leadership roles. Applicants with doctoral degrees should verify current BESW education requirements directly.
Applying by Endorsement
If you’re already licensed in another state at a comparable level, you can apply to the BESW for licensure by endorsement. Your out-of-state licensing board must complete a license verification form and send it directly to the BESW. The ASWB must also send your official exam score reports to the BESW. You’ll pay an endorsement fee in addition to the standard application fees. Check socwork.nv.gov for current endorsement application forms. For a broader comparison of social work license requirements by state, see our state-by-state guide.
Social Work Licensure Compact
As of this writing, Nevada is not listed among Social Work Licensure Compact jurisdictions. Social workers licensed in Compact member states cannot use multistate privileges to practice in Nevada. If you’re relocating from a Compact state, use Nevada’s standard endorsement process instead. Compact participation status can change through state legislation, so verify Nevada’s current status at socwork.nv.gov or through the Social Work Licensure Compact website before relying on this information.
Social Work Salaries in Nevada
Salaries vary by license level, specialty, employer, region, and experience. Recent wage data show healthcare social workers as the highest-paying social work category in Nevada. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the following median annual wages for Nevada social workers based on May 2024 state data. Verify figures against the latest BLS OEWS release before making career decisions.
| Social Work Role |
Median Annual Wage (Nevada, May 2024) |
| Healthcare Social Workers |
$76,280 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers |
$60,430 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers |
$49,850 |
Nationally, overall social worker employment is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. About 74,000 social worker job openings are expected each year over that period.
Social Work Resources in Nevada
Nevada Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. The state chapter of NASW connects practitioners with continuing education, legislative updates, and professional networking opportunities across Nevada.
Nevada Counseling Association. A multidisciplinary association of mental health professionals that hosts an annual conference and supports CE opportunities for social workers alongside counselors.
State of Nevada Association of Addiction Professionals (SNAAP). Provides continuing education and ethics training for professionals in addiction and substance abuse. Hosts monthly meetings and symposiums that count toward CE hours.
Career Opportunities in Nevada
Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is the primary state agency overseeing public health, behavioral health, child and family services, aging and disability services, and welfare. DHHS divisions are significant public-sector employers for licensed social workers and human services professionals in Nevada.
Division of Public and Behavioral Health, under the DHHS, addresses mental and behavioral health across the state. It operates programs in behavioral health and wellness, chronic disease prevention, family health, and maternal, child, and adolescent health.
Nevada Health Centers is a nonprofit that has provided healthcare to Nevadans since 1977. It operates clinics and mobile health programs across the state, focusing on geographically isolated, underinsured, and uninsured populations. Verify current program and site counts directly with Nevada Health Centers.
Clark County School District is one of the nation’s largest school districts. It employs school social workers across its campuses statewide and serves a substantial share of Nevada’s K-12 student population. Verify current enrollment and ranking figures with the district before citing them.
Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital provides inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services for youth, adolescents, and adults, with specialized programs for trauma, eating disorders, and substance abuse.
Washoe County School District is Nevada’s second-largest school district, serving a large student population across dozens of elementary, middle, and high school campuses. Verify current enrollment and school-count figures with the district before citing them.
Clark County Social Services provides essential resources for vulnerable Clark County residents, including programs for long-term care, medical outreach, senior services, homelessness, and affordable housing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the LCSW and LISW in Nevada?
Both the LCSW and LISW require an MSW, an active LSW, and a 3,000-hour post-graduate supervised internship. The LCSW is the clinical credential that authorizes the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and mental disorders and requires at least 2,000 internship hours in psychotherapeutic methods, completed under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker. The LISW focuses on independent generalist practice and uses the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam rather than the Clinical exam.
Do I need an LSW before pursuing the LCSW or LISW in Nevada?
The BESW’s original licensing framework required an active LSW before beginning an advanced pathway. Some BESW internship materials reference a master ‘s-level license tier as the relevant prerequisite for post-graduate interns. Before starting your advanced licensure pathway, confirm the current prerequisite sequence with the BESW directly at 775-688-2555 or at socwork.nv.gov.
Can I transfer my social work license from another state to Nevada?
Nevada offers licensure by endorsement for applicants already licensed in another state at a comparable level. Your out-of-state board must verify your license directly with the BESW, and the ASWB must send your exam score reports. Note that Nevada has not enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact, so Compact privileges don’t apply here. Contact the BESW at 775-688-2555 for current endorsement requirements and fee amounts.
How long is the post-graduate internship for the LCSW or LISW?
The internship requires 3,000 hours and must be completed within 2 to 3 years. For the LCSW, at least 2,000 of those hours must be in psychotherapeutic methods. You must use a BESW-approved site and a BESW-approved supervisor throughout. The BESW website maintains current lists of approved sites and supervisors.
What continuing education is required to renew a Nevada social work license?
LSWs must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years. LCSWs and LISWs must complete 36 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The BESW or a recognized national social work organization must approve all CE providers. Nevada licenses renew annually on the last day of your birth month, and the board conducts a 100 percent audit on legislatively mandated CE hours.
Key Takeaways
- Nevada’s BESW issues three social work licenses (LSW, LCSW, and LISW), each requiring a CSWE-accredited degree, the appropriate ASWB exam, a background check, and proof of work authorization.
- The LSW is Nevada’s bachelor ‘s-level credential. An MSW is required for the LCSW and LISW pathways. Applicants should verify the current prerequisite license sequence, including any master ‘s-level intermediate credential, with the BESW before beginning an advanced pathway.
- Both the LCSW and LISW require a 3,000-hour postgraduate supervised internship completed over 2 to 3 years. The LCSW pathway specifically requires at least 2,000 hours, of which at least 1,000 hours must be in psychotherapeutic methods.
- As of this writing, Nevada is not listed among Social Work Licensure Compact jurisdictions. Out-of-state practitioners should use Nevada’s endorsement process and verify compact status before relying on multistate privileges.
- Healthcare social workers in Nevada had a reported median wage of $76,280 in May 2024, according to the BLS state data. Local wages vary by setting, region, employer, and experience.
Ready to find an accredited social work program in Nevada? Browse BSW and MSW programs that meet CSWE standards and match your career goals.
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Laura Bennett, MPH is a public health professional with over 12 years of experience in community health education and program coordination. She specializes in helping aspiring professionals explore flexible education pathways, including online and hybrid public health degree programs. Laura is passionate about making public health careers more accessible through practical, accredited training
May 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Healthcare Social Workers, Child, Family, and School Social Workers, and Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers represent state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2026.
